JBMSHP attendance: 1990 - 1991
Degrees earned: Mathematics MA (ASU) and Educational Leadership MA (Northern Arizona University)
Currently working as the Director of Student Supports for the Phoenix Union High School District.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: One of my most memorable experiences occurred during the summer of 1991, when I was caught with a phone in my dorm room by a senior counselor. As a consequence, I was moved from Manzanita Hall to the Barrett dorms. Although I wasn’t making the best choices at the time, the staff never gave up on me. From that day forward, all eyes were on me, but not in a punitive way. I’m especially grateful to Tina Tsingine, who guided and encouraged me to keep moving forward. Her support made a lasting impact.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Participating in JBMSHP was instrumental in helping me complete my degree, but because of the friendships and mentorships I formed during those formative years. I learned how to be a student: how to study effectively, collaborate in study groups, seek tutoring, and ask for help. As a first-generation college student, the support from JBMSHP staff and peers helped me navigate the college experience and set high expectations for myself.
Growing up, my mother always told me, “You’re going to college.” But college can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. Being mentored by Dr. Bustoz and Mary Frances Luna helped me understand the deeper purpose of a college education. Dr. Bustoz often spoke to us about the importance of making a difference in our communities and being role models for the next generation.
Those conversations inspired me to pursue a career in education. As a high school administrator, I’ve often found myself having similar conversations with students and staff, encouraging them to aim high and give back.
I’m deeply grateful for the lasting friendships and the academic and emotional support I received through JBMSHP. I truly don’t believe I would have completed college without that foundation. The experience changed the trajectory of my life.
JBMSHP attendance: 2004
Degrees earned: Chemical Engineering BS, MS, PhD (ASU)
Currently working as a Senior Engineer in the U.S. Department of Energy.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Mandatory tutoring was the best! LOL
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Participating in the JBMSHP helped me adjust to university life and gave me the confidence and tools to pursue engineering. It opened many doors of opportunity for me to thrive as an undergraduate and beyond my college career. Whether through tutoring support, sharing scholarship opportunities, lunch-and-learns, or connecting me with professors and programs offering internships and research experiences, the program equipped me with the resources and connections I needed to succeed.
JBMSHP attendance: 2002 - 2003
Degrees earned: Interdisciplinary Studies BIS (Business and Education) (ASU), Business Administration MBA (American University)
Currently working as the Founder, President and CEO of IncludUs Fund, a national nonprofit that engineers inclusive systems to shift power to communities—ensuring equity, access, and opportunity for all.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Karaoke night - we got all dressed up for the theme and sang all night. So much fun!
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
JBMSHP opened the door to ASU and showed me how my love for math could become a career. As a first-gen student from a rural community, it introduced me to engineering, gave me the tools and confidence to succeed in college, and surrounded me with a supportive community that became lifelong friends. It shaped not just my academics, but the trajectory of my life.
JBMSHP attendance: 2012
Degrees earned: Chemical Engineering BSE and MSE (ASU)
Currently working as a Design Engineer at Wilson Engineers
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Some of my absolute favorite memories from the program came from the weekend adventures we got to dive into together. Coming from a small town, everything felt new and exciting—whether it was stepping into a mall for the first time, catching a baseball game, or grabbing food after 10pm (a total novelty for me!). But the highlight? Hands down, learning to play Werewolf. That game instantly became my favorite group activity, and even now, it’s still my go-to whenever friends get together. The laughter, the suspense, the wild accusations—it was unforgettable.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during the program was that meaningful learning takes time. Not every concept clicked immediately—some took days of effort, multiple perspectives, and late nights before they finally made sense. I often found myself racing to finish assignments just before the deadline, but through that process, I developed patience and perseverance. This experience shaped how I approached challenges in college and beyond. Whether it was struggling through a tough exam or grappling with a complex lecture, I learned not to get discouraged. Instead, I leaned into the process—reviewing material, seeking alternative explanations, and staying committed. That mindset has continued to serve me well in both my career and personal life.
JBMSHP attendance: 2013
Degrees earned: Mathematics BS (ASU), Secondary Education and Teaching MA (Duquesne University)
Currently working as a High School Math Teacher with Pittsburgh Public Schools
Favorite JBMSHP memory: VOLUNTARILY going to mandatory every night with my roommate! Also, being so scared to run out of meal card funds the first 5 weeks that I was able to spend the entire last week of the program getting daily Venti Frappuccinos from the bookstore Starbucks because I had so much money saved up! 😂
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The JBMSHP more than anything helped my confidence in myself grow through the constant support of amazing professors (shout out Jay Abramson), staff members (the wonderful Cindy and Ciera), and alumni (Sam, Tik, Tu-Uyen, Jake, Karan and Jairo). It was so much more than a summer math camp. I have even helped students here in Pittsburgh find and attend pre-college summer programs because I know the impact they can have on students’ own academic and personal journeys!!
JBMSHP attendance: 2003 - 2005
Degrees earned: Biology BS (ASU), Mathematics Education MS (Grand Canyon University)
Currently working as a Program Analyst Senior and Adjunct Math Faculty at Rio Salado Community College
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Getting in trouble by Gladis!
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Academically-- JBMSHP gave me confidence to be successful in my courses. Personally-- I was part of a family that supported me beyond academics. The faculty, staff and my peers held me at a high standard and I learned self-responsibility, discipline, and resilience. Professionally-- I have a network of professionals to lean on to further my career.
JBMSHP attendance: 2017
Degrees earned: Chemical Engineering BSE, Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology BS, Physics BS (ASU) and Chemical Engineering MS and Computational Life Sciences MS (ASU)
Currently working as a Forensic (DNA) Scientist for the Phoenix Police Department.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: I miss the last-minute snack missions to the on-campus convenience store right before curfew.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
JBMSHP provided me with support and guidance whenever I needed to be around people who just understood me and where I was coming from (which was always). It also provided me with cool folks to just chat with whenever I had spare time between classes (which was always). I am so grateful to the program for being a place to receive tutoring for some of my more difficult undergraduate courses or to be a good place to vent to among people who just got it or to be a good place to network (after college).
JBMSHP attendance: 2017 - 2019
Degree earned: Civil Engineering BSE (ASU)
Currently working as an Airport Design Engineer with AECOM
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Playing laser tag on the weekends and mandatory tutoring sessions. It was encouraging to have eager tutors who genuinely cared about our academic success.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Academically: It showed me that consistent hard work and persistence will always pay off, no matter how stressful or high-pressure the situation may be. It also emphasized the importance of having a study-life balance. Taking breaks was important. It helped me destress, and it made my college experience more enjoyable.
Personally: It boosted my confidence and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was able to experience activities that I wouldn't have otherwise partaken in had I not gotten out of my comfort zone.
Professionally: The presentations we had to give gave me a glimpse of what it is like to present in front of professionals and communicate professionally. I gained insight on how to present ideas clearly and confidently, carry myself professionally, and be an effective public speaker.
JBMSHP attendance: 2011 - 2013
Degrees earned: Chemical Engineering BSE (ASU) and Materials Science and Engineering MSE (University of California, Irvine)
Currently working as an Adjunct Chemistry Professor at Paradise Valley Community College and a graphic novelist.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: I loved playing volleyball in the 1 hour space between mandatory and bedtime. To this day, volleyball is the only sport I play.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The JBMSHP created an environment of information and support that I would not have had otherwise in college. The JBMSHP community at ASU gave me physical resources such as borrowing TI-83s every semester, giving me a resource room to study, and the occasional pizza. It also gave me some of the best friends any person could have, real brainy people to ask hard questions, and access to advice from other people navigating the same career ladders. The JBMSHP significantly reduced the stress of going to college and helped me be more confident while in it.
JBMSHP attendance: 1998 - 1990
Degrees earned: Mathematics BA (ASU) and Law JD (ASU)
Currently working as an Associate Attorney for Arizona's Work Injury Firm
Favorite JBMSHP memory: My best memories are of the lifelong friendships I made and there are really too many to recount. A specific moment I remember was summer of 1988 when we were allowed to use the Aquatic Center with the huge diving boards, gathering the courage to jump from one of the platforms. I remember the encouragement shouted from my newfound friends and how good it felt to overcome my fear and actually jump from the platform.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The JBMSHP changed my life, I was a decent math student but pretty unfocused in high school, I was lucky enough that one of my teachers recognized that the program would be beneficial to me. In the program, I was challenged academically and made lifelong friends who I leaned on throughout my academic journey. Once I completed College Algebra that first summer, I recognized I was academically capable and was inspired to become a good student. College became a reality to me rather than a possibility. Dr. Bustoz served as a mentor to me throughout college and even when I decided to go to law school, he connected me with people who helped me in that journey.
JBMSHP attendance: 2011 - 2013
Degrees earned: Civil Engineering BSE (ASU) and Landscape Architecture + Environmental Planning MS (University of California, Berkeley).
Currently working as an Engineering Specialist/Landscape Designer for Restoration Design Group.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: One of my favorite memories is of the late, great professor Paul Vaz. He was working through a problem on the board and the answer ended up being something “.666”. Professor Vaz said, “see students, the devil is always in the answer.” The classroom erupted in laughter. I’ll always remember Professor Vaz for his cheerful demeanor and good humor. He is still deeply missed and I know other alumni of the program can attest to that.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
My high school didn’t offer math classes beyond Calculus, so I was able to get ahead by participating in the JBMSHP. I can’t overstate that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren't for this program. I don’t think I would have pursued engineering if it weren’t for the JBMSHP. I was able to achieve my Bachelor’s degree and later my engineer-in-training (EIT) certificate. When I applied to grad school at UC Berkeley, connections from the JBMSHP (Cindy) supported me by writing letters of recommendation. Since getting my Master’s degree, I’ve been working as a Landscape Designer and Engineering Specialist at Restoration Design Group. Our firm specializes in creek restoration: an interdisciplinary field that weaves together hydrology and hydraulics, grading and stormwater management, ecology, and design/engineering. Today, I get to do what I love: design, problem-solve, and spend time in and around water. The JBMSHP not only gave me a head start in STEM, but it also connected me to people that built me up and helped me see what I was capable of. I found community and friendships in the JBMSHP that have outlasted college. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of the JBMSHP; it has propelled me so much further in my career than I would have ever thought as a sophomore in high school.
JBMSHP attendance: 1989 - 1990
Degree earned: Mathematics BS (ASU) and Applied Mathematics PhD (University of Washington)
Currently working as the Associate Vice President for Research - Strategic Partnerships and Inclusive Excellence, University Diversity and Social Transformation, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Michigan
Favorite JBMSHP memory: First meeting Dr. Butoz the summer after my junior year in high school.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
I have been fortunate to experience the MSHP from nearly every angle—first as a student, then as a mentor, tutor, and teacher. Each role has taught me lessons that continue to shape my work every day, whether as a teacher, researcher, or mentor. Above all, I treasure the lifelong friendships I built through the program, which remain a source of inspiration and support.
JBMSHP attendance: 2012
Degree earned: Mechanical engineering BSE/ American Indian Studies BS/ Certificate in Energy and Sustainability (ASU). Currently working on an Environment and Resources PHD with a Certificate in Energy Policy and Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Currently working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Meeting one of my closest friends, Viannie, in 2012 and entering ASU's engineering program together!
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Knowing I have a safe and welcoming place at ASU to return and visit well after graduation. Having worked as a JBMSHP program aide, the experiences I had in planning and facilitating summer events have helped and inspired my goals in teaching. Now, as a graduate student and future professor, I use the same skills in networking for research, presenting research, and supporting the next generation of Indigenous scholars.
JBMSHP attendance: 1990 - 1992
Degree earned: Civil Engineering BSE (ASU)
Currently working as a Senior Resident Engineer with Infenix LLC
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Hanging out with my friends at the MU playing Tetris or pool.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Before the JBMSHP, I was not going to attend college, I was going to get a job with my dad in construction. After my first summer at the JBMSHP, I told my dad that I was going to give college a try and be a Civil Engineer. It was the best decision I ever made in my life, all thanks to Mary Frances Luna and JBMSHP.
JBMSHP attendance: 1992 - 1993
Degrees earned: Spanish BA (ASU), Counseling MC (ASU), and Leadership and Innovation Ed.D. (ASU)
Currently working as the Dean of Academic Affairs at Rio Salado College (Maricopa Community Colleges)
Favorite JBMSHP memory: I don't have one best JBMSHP memory. I really enjoyed playing basketball and foosball with my JBMSHP classmates as well as just spending time together at the ASU Memorial Union. We also had fun times when we got together at Alex Pacheco's house. I feel very grateful for the friendships that I developed in the program and for all the experiences that we had together.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
As a first-generation college student of immigrant parents, the JBMSHP was instrumental in assisting me to academically and socially integrate to ASU. The JBMSHP helped to build my self-efficacy for succeeding in higher education. My parents never had the opportunity to attend college, but as a result of the JBMSHP, I was well prepared to succeed as a college student and felt much more confident navigating a college education. The JBMSHP also provided invaluable tutoring services during the summer program as well as while attending ASU after the summer program that undoubtedly supported my success as a student. The JBMSHP also provided me with an opportunity to give back to others as a tutor at the Saint Peter's Indian Mission School and as a tutor and counselor for JBMSHP. Moreover, the JBMSHP fostered the opportunity for me to build amazing relationships with other JBMSHP students, and we supported and encouraged each other as we pursued our goals. I am extremely grateful to the staff members and friends from the JBMSHP, and the JBMSHP had a huge part in my success as a college student as well as my success as a professional.
JBMSHP attendance: 1990 - 1991
Degrees earned: Civil Engineering BSE (ASU) and Educational Leadership MSE (University of Kansas)
Currently working as a Graduate Student Recruitment Coordinator at Oregon State University - Cascades.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Weekend trip to L.A. with a few other counselors and tutors during the summer of 1991. Working as the Dorm Coordinator aka "Dorm Mom."
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The program had a tremendous impact on my life and I may not be where I am now if I didn't have the experience of attending and staying connected to the program. Dr. Bustoz once told me and my cousin to go back to our hometown of Tuba City and make a positive impact on our community. I was also surrounded by amazing people who made me a better person academically, personally and professionally. Some of the people I have met through the program have become life-long friends.
JBMSHP attendance: 2021
Degree earned: Informatics BS (ASU)
Currently working as a Global Technology Rotational Specialist at McDonald's.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Watching all of the students at the closing ceremony. It was super emotional hearing the speeches of how JBMSHP has helped them build confidence and grow over the course of the program
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The JBMSHP has helped me academically by helping me get into my math pathway on time for me to take Calculus my freshman year. Professionally as a JBMSHP success coach supervisor, it helped me get experience in what a supervisor role looks like. Personally, I've made so many connections from the JBMSHP. I've just enjoyed interacting with everyone I meet and getting to hear their stories of their experience at the program.
JBMSHP attendance: 2013 -2014
Degrees earned: Chemistry/ Physics BS (ASU) and Geology MS (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
Currently working on a Geological Sciences PHD at the University of Southern California
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Celebrating the end of the summer with the JBMSHP dance
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally? The program gave me my earliest experience in doing research with its summer projects. The mentorship I received completing those projects has served as a reference point for all the research that I have done academically.
JBMSHP attendance: 2001
Degrees earned: Chemical Engineering BSE (ASU) and Business Administration MBA (University of Arizona)
Currently working as a Senior Proposal Consultant with Rockwell Automation
Favorite JBMSHP memory: Karaoke Day - Everyone on our floor sang a rendition of Britney Spears "Hit Me Baby One More Time". I believe we all bonded that night and became friends for life.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally? The JBMSHP gave me a valuable preview of college life, allowing me to manage my own schedule while completing a rigorous Differential Equations course in just five weeks. The independence challenged me to stay disciplined and focused, while the support from counselors provided the guidance I needed to succeed. This experience strengthened my academic skills and resilience, preparing me to thrive in a demanding university environment. Most importantly, it helped me build the grit to withstand the ups and downs I will face in both my professional journey and in life.
JBMSHP attendance: 2008
Degree earned: Mechanical Engineering BSE (ASU)
Currently working as a Principal Engineer Mission Assurance at Northrop Grumman
Favorite JBMSHP memory - Meeting new friends and playing volleyball! I remember doing my best to stay out of mandatory tutoring so I could play volleyball. Talk about incentive!
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally? The JBMSHP gave me so much, including some of the best friendships I’ve embraced by far. Cindy helped me when I needed it the most. When I wanted to quit, but she centered me and reminded me of all the accomplishments and the end goal; to graduate. I am forever grateful that I had someone to lean on when I needed it the most.
JBMSHP attendance: 2015
Degree earned: Global Studies BA (ASU) and International Affairs Policy Analysis MA (American University)
Currently working as a Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat) for the United States Department of State in Guangzhou, China.
Favorite JBMSHP memory - Best memory was of me crying over a ‘B’ on one of my pre-calculus exams. I laugh about it now because I was very dramatic, but back then I remember being so disappointed! I still think about my conversation with Cindy that day and her emphasis on the ways life was not always about success. I’ve carried that lesson with me across my career so far and it’s made me significantly more resilient than some of my colleagues. I’m less afraid of failure because I understand it’s part of the process of growth.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
Without the JBMSHP, I would not be able to thrive in the position I am in today. The JBMSHP helped me understand and prepare for college—something a first-generation student like me struggled with immensely. The program helped me understand conflict management, leadership, and mentorship. Above all, whether I’m at the front lines of national security, or shaking the hand of a foreign Ambassador, I often think about the ways the JBMSHP encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone and push myself towards success. I will always be grateful to the program and all it did to prepare me for my future.
JBMSHP attendance: 2008 - 2009
Degrees earned: Mathematics BS and Applied Math for the Life and Social Sciences MS (ASU), Public Policy Analysis MS and Public Policy Analysis PhD (Rand University)
Currently working as a Mathematics Assistant Professor at Tarleton State University
Favorite JBMSHP memory - I have great memories of staying up late to finish homework, getting in trouble for dancing in the rain, and even losing my chancla and other moments that still make me laugh. More importantly, I witnessed how JBMSHP helped students not only strengthen their mathematical abilities but also gain confidence in themselves. The program fostered lasting bonds and truly transformed lives, including my own. For the first time, I saw students who looked like me and loved math as much as I did. I also saw mentors, tutors, and program staff who were incredibly intelligent, passionate, and accomplished in mathematics. Experiencing this representation opened my mind to the possibility of becoming a mathematician myself, something I had never imagined before.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
JBMSHP opened my eyes to mathematics as a field of study and made me believe I could one day become a mathematician. It taught me valuable skills, like how to study for college, the importance of asking for help, and introduced me to my closest friends. As a college student, I had the privilege of working for the program, which exposed me to the world of mathematics education and allowed me to learn from the stories and students’ experiences that ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in Higher Education Policy. Throughout my time at ASU, I always felt supported, I could visit Cindy for advice on anything and always left her office with renewed motivation. As a Ph.D. student, I was able to study the program itself and learn more about its effectiveness and the experiences of its alumni. Now, as a mathematics professor, everything I learned from JBMSHP helped me build my own summer program.
JBMSHP attendance: 1988 - 1990
Degrees earned: Mathematics BA (ASU) and Secondary Education MED (NAU)
Currently retired after 30 years of teaching mathematics at Carl Hayden High School and ASU Preparatory High School.
Favorite JBMSHP memory: When working as a counselor, the counselors would all sneak out to the Drive-In movies and had so much fun. Also, the Math House was where all of us would study, eat,and encourage each other. The Math House was instrumental in building lifelong relationships and was considered a home away from home.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The program allowed me to advance in math skills and be around other students that loved mathematics as well. In addition, the program reinforced my dad's wise words "if you know math you will be able to do anything in life." I'd like to thank Dr. McDonald because he was my professor for all of the calculus courses. Dr. McDonald was so helpful, patient and wrote excellent letters of recommendation for me.
Because Dr. Bustoz had connections throughout the country and Phoenix, I was able to get hired at Carl Hayden High School. Many of my friends were able to attend graduate school at other universities and obtain jobs because we were JBMSHP alumni. Dr. Bustoz had a goal - to plant seeds all over Arizona. Those seeds are going to keep growing and producing mathematicians and scientists. In my professional life, I kept Dr. Bustoz's vision by trying to spread the love for math and science. If I could make mathematics interesting to my students, they would want to pursue a career in STEM. Luckily, I now have many former students that are teachers, engineers and scientists. I'd like to think that Dr. Bustoz's dream keeps on living through my students. Dr. Bustoz was like family for many of us and deeply cared about all of us. He was more than a mentor, he got to know my husband and we attended his wedding. We really miss him because he was part of our family. I owe my success to my family, Dr. Bustoz and my friends because they always believed in me and helped me through the tough times.
JBMSHP attendance: 2007 - 2009
Degrees earned: Mathematics BS (ASU), Doctor of Medicine, M.D. (University of Arizona College of Medicine), and Residency/Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Yale School of Medicine)
Currently working as a Chief Fellow, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Yale School of Medicine
Favorite JBMSHP memory: It’s hard to choose just one — some of the friendships I built through JBMSHP have lasted to this day. I especially remember long summer evenings when we would solve math problems together, head out to the tennis courts, and then dive back into more math after dinner. I never imagined pre-calculus could be that much fun, but it was when working alongside friends and with a one-of-a-kind teacher like Jay Abramson.
How did the JBMSHP help you academically/ personally/professionally?
The JBMSHP strengthened my academic foundation and nurtured the independence and confidence I needed to meet challenges head-on — including navigating stereotypes and other obstacles along the way.
As a JBMSHP tutor and camp counselor, I gained valuable experience working directly with youth. I learned how to support kids with different learning styles and diverse psychosocial backgrounds, which gave me early insight into the many factors that shape learning and development. Those experiences helped prepare me for my current work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, where I continue to draw on the same skills of patience, adaptability, and connection.